Friday, July 25, 2008

Colbert tells it like it is -- about the Anglicans, the Episcopalians, and the Romans. (Hat tip to The Lead). This brought one of the few laughs I've had from all the nonsense from Lambeth. (And this, which conjured up pretty much the same image I had).

The rest is too depressing for words. The "Agony and the Ecstasy" made me weep. I don't know if I want to be associated with people who treat others like that, but I guess everyone's already so busy dissociating with others that I'll just give it a rest for awhile.

Meanwhile, blogging will continue to be light (!) as I travel cross-country to see my mom and see what I can do to help her right now. Thankfully there is little of Pennsylvania along the way (no offense to Pennsylvanians, but your road repair system is... well, lacking, although I did circumvent the northern mess last week by taking Rte 11 around and about the interstate). Next stop, Chicago.

Blessèd sister, holy motherspirit of the fountain,spirit of the garden,Suffer us not to mockourselves with falsehoodTeach us to care and not to careTeach us to sit stillEven among these rocks,Our peace in His willAnd even among theserocksSister, motherAnd spirit of the river,spirit of the sea,Suffer me not to beseparatedAnd let my cry come unto Thee.

- T.S. EliotAsh Wednesday

"On the other hand, what a privilege, on what could be my last day, to be living with a conscious awareness of God's presence, both in my life and in the lives of those around me. What a breath of fresh air to be honest and open with people, loving and being loved, forgiving and being forgiven. What a pleasure, on what could be my last day, to respect the dignity of everyone I meet, no matter who they are or where they've come from.

This is the only day we have, for sure. What a privilege and what a pleasure to live it with a view of eternity - knowing that we are loved and valued by God for who and what we are, that God has a purpose for us, and always looks at our weaknesses with the compassionate eyes of His Son. And it's that view of eternity and our place in it that can save us from merely existing, with no sense of purpose or direction.

Pray that the Lord will keep us alert and watchful, so that we'll always be ready for Him - both today, when He comes in the common things of life, and tomorrow, when He comes in glory."